Hello! I’m Betsy, the Cleveland, Ohio-based travel writer and content creator behind Natty Gal. Independent travel fills my soul! To date, I’ve visited 5 continents, 64 countries, and 34 US states.
On Natty Gal, I encourage readers to travel independently, with less logistical stress and more confidence, by sharing useful tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years.
I provide itineraries, destination guides, and reviews that help travelers make the most of their time and experiences in both popular and lesser-known destinations. Cultural sites, historic properties, culinary events, and some outdoor/adventure pursuits are often featured in my stories. As a lifelong resident of Northeast Ohio, I also have extensive knowledge of this region and its attractions.
I started this blog on a whim in 2016, thinking it could be a fun and creative outlet to counterbalance my analytical day job. In early 2017, a friend found me online organically. When she realized I was Natty Gal, she encouraged me to put myself out there and let friends and family know about the site.
My love for both writing and travel emerged during my childhood. I can vividly remember typing up a neighborhood newsletter on my grandmother’s old typewriter and poring through my parents’ travel magazines and guidebooks as they planned their next adventure. Today, I’m a proud member of IFWTWA (International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association).
As a capsule wardrobe enthusiast, I also enjoy sharing packing and styling tips and encourage readers to prioritize quality and versatility over quantity. On a personal note, I live in a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio, with my husband, Gavin (aka NattyGuy), and our Bichon-Frise, Dolce.
Join us as we find more adventure together!
Five Random Facts About Me
1. Confession: I’m a Late Bloomer.
A very late bloomer. I admit it. As a child, I was friendly and fearless, but when I transitioned into my tween years, I became much less confident. Depressed. Overly preoccupied with what others think. You know how it goes. It wasn’t until my (gulp) early-40s that I started working things out and really focusing on how to improve myself and start living my best life. Not just dreaming about it or talking about it, but taking actionable steps to DO IT!
2. My Degree is in Business Management… BUT I’ve Always Been Enamored with Creative Pursuits.
I have a BBA in Marketing and Business Management from Kent State University and an MBA from Case Western Reserve in Cleveland. The bulk of my work life has been spent in healthcare-related marketing and consulting. But I didn’t start with that goal in mind! Initially, my dream was to study fashion merchandising. I’ve always had an interest in fashion and interior design. However, my pragmatic parents convinced me that a business degree might be more versatile. Oh, and I had a little trouble passing the chemistry courses required by the fashion school! 
3. I’ve Got a Few Quirks!
I’ve got many quirks that likely drive friends and family nuts. I’m a neat freak and love to organize. I’m a (friendly) introvert. I don’t always finish my sentences when talking. I use too many exclamation points both on the blog and in my personal life. I can’t stand over the sink when I brush my teeth, so I walk around the house instead. I believe the toilet lid should be put down after every use. That’s why they made a lid for it, right? I consider gum chewing kinda gross. I often get faint when having my blood pressure taken (I know, cray-cray). And so on…
4. Natty Guy & I Went to the Same High School.
My husband and I were both born and raised in Northeast Ohio. We currently live in the town where we both grew up – a suburb midway between Cleveland and Akron. We didn’t actually know each other in high school (I’m a few years older), but had mutual friends in common that we met through in our early 20s. We married in our early 30s and were proud parents to a Bichon Frise-Poodle mix named Pucci, whom we sadly lost unexpectedly in 2018. 
In August 2019, we became fur parents for a second time when we welcomed Dolce to our home. I’m so lucky to have such a supportive travel partner!
5. I’m (Perhaps Surprisingly) Adventurous!
I love to travel, both to beautiful parts of the world and those less explored. I even traveled to the Middle East by myself to meet up with a girlfriend (whom I hadn’t seen in over 10 years) to explore the fantastic country of Jordan! I’ll eat and drink all the odd things you find when traveling, mostly with no ill effects. I’ve gone hang-gliding in Rio de Janeiro. I tried rock climbing and scuba diving in my 40s. Took surf lessons in Hawaii. And so much more!
So now that you know a bit about me, what’s next? Well, I’d love for you to subscribe to Natty Gal so we can continue to get to know each other better! And follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and the LTK app for additional content that doesn’t always make it to the blog.
Natty Gal in the News
Travel Small Towns Podcast, Episode 7; March 5, 2026
Listen HERE.
Redfin: Boomer vs. Gen X Home Design; June, 2025
We were named an interior design expert in a Redfin article! Check it out here: Boomer vs.Gen X Home Design | Redfin (Parent company of ApartmentGuide and Rent.)
My Town Travels; July, 2024
Guest Post: Exploring Historic Granville, TN When Riverboats Ruled The Cumberland
The Shore Line presents: Influencer Impressions of Shores & Islands Ohio; June, 2024
Listen HERE.
Play CLE’s 100+ of the Best Blogs in Cleveland to Follow; April, 2019
Article link HERE.
Play CLE’s “Best Twitter Accounts in CLE”; March, 2019
Selected as one of the “Best Twitter Accounts in CLE” during the Play CLE March Madness 2019 Twitter tournament. Made it to the Elite Eight!
Resilientista’s What Real Women Are Wearing; Winter 2018
Article link is no longer available.
Fashionably Cleveland Blog Spotlight feature; July, 2017
Article link HERE.
Keaton Row’s #KRDailyLook feature; September, 2014
